IMPERIAL SERVICE BADGE

[Greg Bloomfield]

Today I saw one of these badges for sale locally. I'd never seen one before but as I am interested in the pre-war TF I thought I'd buy it and risk it being a re-strike as it was cheap enough. Is there any way to tell if one is fake or not and were they numbered as the Silver War Badge was (mine isn't by the way).

Thanks in advance lads (or lasses).

Greg

[auchonvillerssomme]

Never seen a fake one...but then would i know if i had? Are they being copied?

Mick

[welshdoc]

I dont know if theres such a thing as a fake badge but they can be different. The top two in the pic are identical and are 100% right. The third is slightly larger and the back is different as there is no impression mark behind the crown and the crown is not as raised. The pin attachment is also slightly different, just as sturdy but the pin differs. The biggest difference is that if you look at the edge of the crown in the "genuiine" ones it is serrated , the third one the edge is smooth. Finaly the first 2 simply look and feel better. The firt one came with medals as did the last the other was found in a boot sale. So are the first 2 early issues and the third war issue? who knows. gareth

[Greg Bloomfield]

Mick, I don't know if they are being copied or not but most badges have been so I was only wondering if it might have been the case here.

Welshdoc, the one bought today has a serated edge to the crown which reassures me slightly (or have we both got possible copies!!!)

Many Thanks

Greg

[welshdoc]

Greg, Im sure you have a good one. Im not sure if there are copies, the 3rd one Ive got may be a war time utility issue, similar to the lower grade cap badges made at thr time. Its much better than one would expect of a copy. Is the pin on yours and the retainer nice and strong? I doubt a copy would be made with such quality fitments . gareth

[HarryBettsMCDCM]

I must say Ive not come across "copies" of the Imperial Service Badge;Originals would however be of Nickel,with a hefty thick Nickel or steel pin as designed for wear in Uniform,with a "D" Section clasp to the pin,I have not seen many thart have a manufacturer,though some have a maker's Letter on the reverse,also some strikings have a crack from the shoulder of the crown to the bar.

[mtrpltpara]

Have just seen one which was sold on the auction site for £14, had the makers name on the back, LAMBOURNE & Co. BIRMINGHAM, would that indicate genuine?

Bill.